All About Fly Fishing And Where To Try Your Hand At It

Around the world, an angling renaissance is underway, and people are getting to know all about fly fishing through networks of passionate hobbyists. Throughout history, people from almost every culture have turned to the sport for entertainment, nourishment and excitement. Time has brought changes to fly fishing through technological development and practice.

Early on in the sport's history, people used whatever materials were available in their region to build the equipment they needed. The wood in an area dictated how they made their rods. Fishing lines might be made of a lightweight animal hair or silk. Fishermen often used wool or feathers for their flies, since they move on the water in a way not unlike a small insect might do. As people discovered or invented new materials, gear changed as well.

Of course, nowadays, manufacturers use synthetic materials for all of these, although alternatives exist as well. This means that the potential angler has almost endless options when it comes to choosing equipment. Most experienced enthusiasts advise beginners to begin with inexpensive gear and then upgrade as they start to know exactly what type of fishing they intend to do. The location and type of fishing you prefer will greatly determine the type and quality of gear you buy.

The image most of us have from popular culture and the media is of people on a river using dry flies to attract fish (usually trout) on the surface of the water. By making the fly land and rest on the water lightly, the fisherman is able to create the illusion of a live insect gliding on the surface. Indeed, this is the traditional style of fly fishing, but the sport is much more varied than this.

This stereotype comes from people who use dry flies, which are meant to lightly flicker on the surface of the water. Over time, however, people developed wet flies as well, which attract fish swimming and foraging on the bottom of a body of water. As trout, one of the most commonly fished species, often feed deeper in a stream, wet flies have become popular in many parts of the world. Imitating leeches and other river creatures, these flies open up new possibilities for anglers.

Anglers also use these wet flies for fishing in the sea. As salt can obstruct and corrode essential parts of rods and reels, it is important to buy equipment made for such purposes. Even with the right equipment, users should rinse their gear every time they use it. These rods and reels, with a little extra care, give fishermen access to more varied species found in the sea.

With the advent of the internet, fishing is no longer limited to your local fishing hole (although that is a great place to get started). Operators from North America to Europe to New Zealand and Australia offer packages to learn and practice fly fishing. Depending on your level of experience and sense of adventure, you can find trips on any continent for any type of fish.

Learning all about fly fishing these days is easier than ever. Experienced veterans have a veritable library of knowledge about the sport and newcomers will find tips and advice easy to come by. Regardless of skill and experience, though, fly fishing gives everyone the chance to get out and enjoy nature.